To Subdue an enemy without fighting is the greatest of skills
He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared.
When the common soldiers are too strong and their officers too weak, the result is insubordination. When the officers are too strong and the common soldiers too weak, the result is collapse.
Rely not on the likelihood of the enemy's not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him
Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.
Now the reason the enlightened prince and the wise general conquer the enemy whenever they move and their achievements surpass those of ordinary men is foreknowledge.
Peace proposals unaccompanied by a sworn covenant indicate a plot.
Until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared
Go into emptiness, strike voids, bypass what he defends hit him where he does not expect you.
It is ten thousand times cheaper to pay the best spies lavishly than even a tiny army poorly.
When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce.
The art of using troops is this: ......When ten to the enemy's one, surround him; ......When five times his strength, attack him; ......If double his strength, divide him; ......If equally matched you may engage him; ......If weaker numerically, be capable of withdrawing; ......And if in all respects unequal, be capable of eluding him, ..........for a small force is but booty for one more powerful.
All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.
For the wise man delights in establishing his merit, the brave man likes to show his courage in action, the covetous man is quick at seizing advantages, and the stupid man has no fear of death.
To a surrounded enemy, you must leave a way of escape.
Winning isn't enough. The acme of all skill is to defeat your enemy before taking the field.
We cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our neighbors. We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country.
Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.
If the enemy opens the door, you must race in.
O divine art of subtlety and secrecy! Through you we learn to be invisible, through you inaudible and hence we can hold the enemy's fate in our hands.
Attack where he is unprepared; sally forth when he does not expect you.
When your opponent gives you an opening, be swift as a hare.
There are routes not to be followed, armies not to be attacked, citadels not to be besieged, territory not to be fought over.
Probe him and learn where his strength is abundant and where deficient.
When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.
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